Certainly, his personal relationship with Andreas Papandreou during the era of PASOK’s absolute dominance, marked by monumental rallies that made history, and incidents like the nod to Dimitra Liani, which are still intensely discussed today, is what many believe defines him.
After all, Papandreou himself, as Tasos Birsim confessed, admired and appreciated him immensely. “After the grand campaign speech of ’81 in Syntagma, our interactions were frequent and heartfelt. Once, he invited me to dinner, ordered white wine, looked at me, and said: If there were a directing medal, I would give it to you.” The great politician was not wrong.
The campaign speech of Andreas Papandreou in Syntagma Square in 1981:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD6nBlcKY4I&t=1s
Tasos Birsim, who passed away today, plunging the artistic and television world into sorrow, was a mastermind of the camera, a craftsman of the image, who never viewed his work in mere professional terms. He lived within it and from it.
The campaign speech of Andreas Papandreou in Syntagma Square in 1985:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5axH4jy7sY
With grace and humility, he diplomatically and discreetly avoided giving interviews. Countless attempts were made every time we met on set or at television events to persuade him to share his behind-the-scenes experiences. He never wanted to, not out of snobbery, but because his vision always aimed to spotlight the essence of the image, placing those in front of him at the center of the frame, rather than himself.
A charismatic Peloponnesian from Arcadia, with a deep love for Leonidio, which was always his refuge and the place where he first encountered the magic of the camera while watching numerous films at the local cinema. Birsim sold roasted chickpeas at the summer cinema in Leonidio. He admits that when he first saw a film, he was enchanted and realized his destiny. He confessed this openly in one of his rare interviews with journalist Irini Nikolopoulou.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bCrwl8Xsu0&t=3s
However, it is somewhat unjust that such a significant and brilliant creator, who blazed trails for numerous shows and entire television segments, is primarily remembered for his association with the coverage of PASOK’s television journey.
Birsim was a mentor. He guided many who made remarkable strides in television presentation, as well as directors and producers at the beginning of their careers.
He ensured the creation of a distinctive personal portfolio, where one can trace historical events tied to his work. A notable aspect of his career was directing television series with a theatrical perspective. He deeply believed that series broadcast on the small screen should possess theatrical elements, imparting the artistic value and quality necessary for fiction.
Series such as “Agrimia”, “Nightmare”, “Moscow Tower”, and the legendary “Monday Theatre” is testament to his vision. His directorial and cinematographic work also includes “Unknown War”, “He and That”, “Our Neighborhood”, and dozens of other productions. Birsim pioneered the morning television zone in Greece with the show “A Good Morning is This” on ERT1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztKXtcdg0nM&t=7s
His career spanned major television networks such as ANT1, where he was the director of television and helped lay the station’s organizational and artistic foundation. At SKAI, he contributed to numerous productions as Advisor and Director of Television, while also leaving his mark on significant televised events, mainly of political content, across various channels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNkT8HhYTgE
Birsim collaborated closely with Mega since 1993 on shows like “60′ without Montage”, “Reportage in Omixli”, “Enopios Enopio”, “Ellispontos”, “Atatropi”, and was responsible for the production of election marathons, political debates, artistic events, and sports broadcasts. He was behind the cameras for the opening ceremony of the “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport in 2001, the Euro reception in 2002, the opening of the Rio-Antirrio bridge “Charilaos Trikoupis” in 2004, the Mediterranean Games, Eurobasket, and the reception of the Olympians in 1996.
A major milestone in his career came in 1981 when he undertook the direct coverage of all PASOK pre-election rallies and conferences, TV spots, and everything related to Andreas Papandreou. From 2017 until recently, Tasos Birsim was the director of the show “With Virtue and Courage” of the Armed Forces.
Stamos Birsim “Tasos Birsim never saw his job as a job” The announcement of Tasos Birsim’s passing was made through a deeply moving post by his son Stamos, who followed in his father’s directorial footsteps. A few years ago, he gave a revealing interview to Maria Lemonia and “THEME,” describing his relationship with his father and sharing memories of the moments he spent with him in studios and on sets.
“I have many but specific images, sounds, smells—and above all, many people I remember. Beloved friends of Tasos Birsim, the corridors of the old ERT, my kindergarten in Victoria Square when he worked at OTE. I felt like I was in a big family, in a big house with cameras, bright lights, and stressed journalists smoking everywhere. I dreaded the endless corridors when the lights went out, fearing I might get lost and not find my way back to the drawing board. My beloved at the time, Mr. Foinikarides, who worked there, created a magical world for me with handicrafts and incredible self-adhesive letters. By the 5th and 6th grade, I had already taken on the duties of editor of the school newspaper and, among other things, was in charge of the photocopies. This work was done at ERT, but I waited until the end of the last shift to do this—unfortunately, walking through dark corridors!
I think Tasos Birsim never saw his job as a job. It was and is what he loved most, what he passionately strived for every moment of the day and most of the night—to give his best. For many years, he worked two shifts to make ends meet for the family. But I believe he did it with a lot of love and, above all, with the utmost concern for others: to help, to pass on his knowledge, he cared about the TV crew like his family. This is great in a group. It’s great to care about others more than yourself.”
When asked about a funny incident, the son of the great director confesses, “After a long and tiring day, he came home late. I remember, upon entering the door, my mom’s smile just…
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